Brief Report
Issue Date: May 26, 2017
Published Online: May 26, 2017
Updated: June 13, 2018
Caregiver Perceptions of a Telehealth Wellness Program
Katrina M. Serwe; Gayle I. Hersch; Noralyn Davel Pickens; Karen Pancheri
Author Affiliations
  • Katrina M. Serwe, PhD, OTR, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon; katrina.serwe@cuw.edu
  • Gayle I. Hersch, PhD, OTR, is Professor, School of Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman’s University, Houston
  • Noralyn Davel Pickens, PhD, OT, is Associate Professor and Associate Director, School of Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman’s University, Dallas and Denton
  • Karen Pancheri, PhD, RN, is Associate Professor, Nelda Stark College of Nursing, Texas Woman’s University, Houston
Article Information
Health and Wellness / Departments / Brief Report
Brief Report   |   May 26, 2017
Caregiver Perceptions of a Telehealth Wellness Program
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May 2017, Vol. 71, 7104350010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.025619
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May 2017, Vol. 71, 7104350010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.025619
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We sought to understand caregivers’ experience of an education-based wellness program delivered using telehealth.

METHOD. In this qualitative pilot study, 4 caregivers participated in a focus group after completing a 6-wk telehealth program. Data analysis involved open coding, thematic analysis, and coding triangulation.

RESULTS. Two major themes emerged. The first, “I feel like I am now prepared,” included the subthemes of strategies for caregiver self-maintenance, the understanding that caregiving is a normal process, and the value of a group experience. The second theme, “It was just a good interaction,” included the subthemes of benefits of telehealth, challenges of telehealth, and process of learning the technology.

CONCLUSION. Participant discussion of the content learned and the value of group support indicated that telehealth was effective in both promoting learning and facilitating relationships. Even with challenges, participants reported an overall positive experience. Telehealth holds promise for increasing access to health promotion programs.